Last Updated on August 2, 2022
In this post, I’ll talk about how to fix the chain from slipping on a Specialized Pitch Mountain Bike to avoid making the situation worse.
Because if its chain has started slipping off, then this means your setup needs to be adjusted.
There are also several other reasons the chain on a mountain bike can slip off. Some of these examples are compatibility issues, wear and tear, or not being properly set up.
To understand and to fix this issue, we will show you a few reasons on why you’re experiencing this problem. We’ll also share a few ways on how to remedy this pesky chain slip.
About the Specialized Pitch
The Specialized Pitch is an entry-level cross-country mountain bike that gets you off the road and lets you experience trail riding. Specialized Bicycles have created this affordable mountain bike for new riders who want to experience the feel of riding in rough terrain.
It’s composed of components that are meant to last long no matter how hard you ride or how technical the trail will get. It comes with a 27.5 wheel set which allows you to roll faster and a geometry that’s meant to make you feel confident on both the climbs and descents.
Components
- Frame – The frame is composed of A1 Premium Aluminum that’s constructed with a geometry that performs well in both climbs and descents. It also accommodates a 27.5 wheel set while still having enough clearance to let mud go through.
- Suspension – The Specialized Pitch is a hardtail bike which means it only has a front suspension. Its fork is the SR Suntour that has 80-100mm suspension travel. It also uses a coil suspension to let any rider ride it.
- Drivetrain – This mountain bike is equipped with a Shimano TX800 drivetrain that’s made with durability in mind. This makes it possible for the drivetrain to last on lengthy trail rides so you won’t have to replace it now and then.
Reasons my Bike Chain Keeps Slipping
Loose chain
There are times when your bike chain isn’t properly installed and there are too many links on your chain causing it to be too loose.
This often happens when sellers forget to properly attach the correct chain length of a bike. Or when you’ve changed your drivetrain to a lower gear ratio like when you’ve converted into a 1x setup.
Having a loose chain causes it to have a tendency to fall off or slip off from gear. This can give you a tough time riding your bike and can also damage your drivetrain.
Incompatible gears
Another problem could be that you’re using a chain that’s not compatible with the drivetrain you’re currently using.
Certain drivetrains need specific chains such as narrower ones. This is to accommodate 12-speed or 11-speed drivetrains which have smaller spacing compared to the bigger spacing of 8-speed drivetrains.
If you’ve recently changed your drivetrain to a newer version with a wider gear range but are still using your old chain, then you should definitely get a fresh one. Using an incompatible chain to your drivetrain can damage the cogs and can lower the performance of your bike.
No proper alignment
The most common reason for a chain to slip off is that it’s not properly aligned or the chain tension isn’t properly adjusted. This is usually caused by wear and the constant use of your bike. This causes the cable to stretch or your limit screws to loosen up.
When this happens, your drivetrain will lose its adjustment and you have to take it to your bike shop to adjust it. Although you can also opt to adjust the tension and the limit screws of the derailleur by yourself with the help of a little training.
Worn-out Parts
If you’ve been riding your bike for some time, then there’s a big chance that your drivetrain has already experienced chain wear. Chain wear can extend the length of your chain and can also slowly wear the teeth of your cogs and chainring.
Whenever this happens, you’ll usually experience a decrease in performance which can highly affect the way your bike feels every time you ride it. Although you can remedy this problem by increasing the chain tension of your bike, it’s still a better option to just replace or upgrade your parts.
How to Check the Proper Chain Length of a Bike
Shorten your chain to give it the right amount of tension to shift properly and prevent it from slipping. It’s best to do this if your chain has too many linkages in it.
It’s an excellent idea to place your bike in its proper chain length by either using a chain length calculator or by doing it manually.
To do this, place the chain in the biggest sprocket and count up to four extra chain links. This is the number of links that you only need and you can remove the rest of the chain after that.
Changing the Chain of Your Bike
Replace your chain with a new one that is compatible with your drivetrain if it is already worn out or incompatible with your current drivetrain.
You can use a chain remover to remove your old chain. Or just remove it to detach your chain from your drivetrain if it has a missing link.
Put your new chain into your drivetrain and make sure it’s in the correct amount of links before locking it in place. You can use a missing link to reattach it using a chain cutter.
How to Adjust the Chain Tension?
When the only problem of your chain is the tension on your rear derailleur, then you can easily adjust it with the use of a screwdriver. Find the screw in your derailleur that has the letter “B” printed on it and adjust it to the correct tension that your chain needs.
Moving it counterclockwise will decrease the tension of the chain. Meanwhile, moving it clockwise will tighten it up.
It’s an excellent idea to do this before your ride to make sure your bike is set properly so you can experience good shifting during your ride.
Cleaning the Chain
Clean the chain at least every week or whenever you’ve been riding in muddy conditions. This increases the lifespan of your chain and decreases the chances of wearing out because of the muck and grime.
Use a degreaser to remove the dirty oil that’s stuck in the chain. Clean it thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt that’s stuck in tight areas. Afterward, properly lube the chain with a good quality chain lube to prevent it from rusting and to also lubricate your chain.
It’s also advisable to clean your drivetrain as the dirt and grime that was in your chain will also stick to the surrounding parts which can wear them out.
When Should I Replace my Drivetrain?
If you’ve noticed that the teeth of your cogs and chainring have gotten sharp or have thinned out then it’s best that you change your drivetrain.
Your drivetrain and chain will wear out at the same time. This means that once your chain stretches then it will put more force and thin out the teeth of your cogs and chainring.
Once this happens, there will be a decrease in performance on your drivetrain and you must put more force on your pedaling to move your bike. It’s highly recommended to change your drivetrain before your chain slips out.
How Do I Know if My Chain is Worn Out?
All you have to do is use a chain checker and see if the link can still pass the indicator which shows the wear of the chain.
Another option is to use a ruler and see if the rivet on the 12-mark is at the center or is off by just ⅙. If it passes that mark, then it means your chain is worn out and you have to replace it.
Conclusion
It’s essential to have a fully functioning drivetrain so that you can have the best experience when riding your bike.
If you’re not confident enough to check and repair the chain slip issue of your Specialized Pitch, then it’s best to take it to your local mechanic. They’ll easily know what’s wrong with it and it won’t take long for them to fix your slipping chain.
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